| Bangkok is Thailand's largest city with a | | | | Possibly the best way to travel around |
| population of more than 10 million and is a | | | | Bangkok is the Skytrain. As the name |
| hugely popular destination for tourists. This | | | | suggests, this is a train that travels above |
| article is a brief guide for first time | | | | the city. It is a very efficient way to get |
| visitors to the city. | | | | around and stops at many of Bangkok's popular |
| | | | tourist attractions. Single tickets are |
| Climate | | | | available although if you are making more |
| | | | than a couple of journeys an unlimited one |
| Bangkok is a hot and humid city all year | | | | day ticket is probably a better idea and is |
| round but for those planning a holiday in | | | | available for around 100 baht (£1.50). |
| Bangkok, the best time of year to visit is | | | | Another good way to get around is by metered |
| probably between November and February. This | | | | taxi. If the traffic is moving in your favour |
| is when the city is at its driest and coolest | | | | it is a comfortable and quick way to get |
| (only averaging 28°C!). March to May is | | | | around. The buses are cheap, but crowded and |
| the hot season and temperatures can reach an | | | | challenging as the routes are numerous and |
| oppressive 40°C, whilst frequent, | | | | are often marked only in Thai and the |
| torrential downpours and flooding are | | | | infamous three wheeled tuk-tuks are not worth |
| commonplace during the rainy season between | | | | the charge for anything other than a five or |
| June and September. | | | | ten minute journey or the experience. |
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| Eating | | | | Sightseeing |
| | | | |
| Both Thai and Western food is widely | | | | Bangkok's temples are some of its most |
| available in Bangkok. Whilst there are many | | | | popular tourist attractions with the majestic |
| excellent air conditioned restaurants to | | | | Grand Palace being perhaps the most famous |
| choose from, many locals choose to eat from | | | | and a must see. The palace was formerly home |
| the numerous food carts and stalls found | | | | to the king and the entire Thai government |
| around the city. Thai food is typically spicy | | | | until the turn of the twentieth century. |
| with curries and stir fries being favourites. | | | | Entrance to the Grand Palace costs 200 baht |
| Many dishes use fish sauce or shrimp paste | | | | (about 3 pounds). The main focus for many |
| along with plenty of chillies, lime juice and | | | | visitors to the Grand Palace is the emerald |
| lemon grass and are usually served with rice, | | | | Buddha, a 45cm tall statue carved out of |
| a staple component of Thai cuisine. For the | | | | Jade. The Buddha is the most revered image in |
| adventurous, you will also find stalls | | | | Thailand and is the centre of national |
| selling fried insects on Bangkok's streets, | | | | religious pride. It is really worth hiring a |
| with black water beetles being a particular | | | | guide to visit the Grand Palace as without |
| favourite. Food in Bangkok is relatively | | | | one you may miss quite a lot. Visitors to the |
| inexpensive and you can expect to pay between | | | | Grand Palace should note that there is a |
| 50 and 100 baht (approximately £0.80 - | | | | strict dress code enforced. Men should wear |
| £1.50) for a plate of food and a soft | | | | long trousers and sleeved shirts, whilst |
| drink. | | | | women should ensure their shoulders are |
| | | | covered and clothing is opaque. Bare feet are |
| Getting Around | | | | also disallowed so if you are wearing sandals |
| | | | or flip-flops, socks must be worn as well. |